Updates on diagnosis and management of parasitic infections of the central nervous system

Purpose of review – Parasitic infections of the human nervous system are frequently overlooked as causes of neurological morbidity, mostly because of lack of diagnostic awareness from clinicians in developed countries. Although limited and unfunded, research in neuroparasitoses leads to improved diagnostic and treatment approaches, and improvements in immunological, molecular and imaging techniques provide new insights in these neglected infections. This review succinctly describes most parasitic infections affecting humans and highlights new information available in the literature.Recent findings – Despite the fact that primary research reports in parasitic neuroinfection are sparse, a body of information on new diagnostic techniques, clinical manifestations, and more recent therapeutic approaches is now available, with particular emphasis in molecular techniques including deep sequencing, and minimally invasive surgical techniques.\Summary – This review provides a quick overview of most parasitic infections affecting the human nervous system, and summarizes updated information on current diagnostic and treatment approaches, providing a comprehensive reference, of particular use for clinicians working in settings where neuroparasitoses are infrequent.